NAACP Calls For Independent Investigation Into Officer-Involved Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The NAACP in St. Paul says it will ask for an independent investigation into the Wednesday morning shooting death of a young man.
Police say they were responding to a report that a man was texting death threats to a woman.
They were told the man was known to carry a gun, and when they found him near Region's Hospital, shots were fired and the man was killed.
NAACP president Jeffry Martin said the investigative process has to be transparent.
"This is not a rush to judgment," Martin said.
He added they understand the police department has a review board, but thinks an independent and all-civilian panel would better serve the community.
"With the environment we have in our nation, we ask that the St. Paul Police and mayor consider hiring (one) to take a look at this case," he said.
Martin talked with the family of the young man killed and said they were very traumatized.
"They are a close knit family," he said.
Jeffry Martin Interview
Martin said they have been in touch with the police department, but have not yet heard if an independent review will be done.
"With what's going on nationally between communities, police and people of color, and how time and time again officers don't seem to be held up to the same justice that the rest of us are, there has to be an explanation for that," he said.
St. Paul Police say the recovered a gun from the scene, and are continuing to gather evidence in the case.
Two officers, one a seven-year veteran, have been placed on three-day paid administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.
Police said the identities of the suspect and officers are not being released at this time.
